MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka.
Pep Guardiola is said to be keeping tabs on the winger in the hope that he rejects a new deal and City are able to pounce next summer.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are prepared to make a £43m bid for Barcelona starlet Gavi if he turns down a new contract according to reports.
And Robert Lewandowski has stated that he wants to leave Bayern with loyalty and respect.
Lewandowski also said: "Something has died in me, I want to leave Bayern for more emotions in my life."
The Pole's departure from the Bundesliga champions will become more likely if they can sign Sadio Mane.
And to that end, Julian Nagelsmann's side are reportedly ready to lodge a £30m bid.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
- Justin Lawrence
Bayern prepare Mane bid
Bayern Munich are preparing an improved £30million bid for Liverpool ace Sadio Mane, according to reports.
The German champions offered £21m with an additional £4.6m in add-ons if they win the Champions League.
But according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are hoping to get around £42.5m for the 30-year-old who has one year left on his deal, which would help fund a replacement.
One of the targets the Reds would like to replace Mane with is highly rated Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea get Dembele boost
Chelsea’s transfer pursuit of Ousmane Dembele has been given a huge boost after PSG reportedly cooled their interest in the winger.
PSG’s former director Leonardo was keen on bringing Dembele to Paris.
But the club’s plans have changed following Leonardo’s exit from his role, according to Sport.
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling tipped for Chelsea transfer
Raheem Sterling has been urged to join Chelsea by former England goalkeeper David James.
James told GGrecon: “If there is a move and it is to Chelsea or Real Madrid, it shouldn’t be a problem for Raheem.
“He’s more than capable of doing the performances on the field. It’s a pat on the back for Raheem.”
- Justin Lawrence
Prem giants want Bukayo Saka
Arsenal are facing a battle to hold onto Bukayo Saka with Liverpool and Man City chasing the winger.
City have other transfer priorities this summer but are now monitoring the England star’s situation at Arsenal, report the Daily Mail.
The Gunners will attempt to extend his stay at the Emirates but the 20-year-old is keen to experience Champions League football.
And it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can persuade Saka to stay amid interest from City and Liverpool.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning transfer news
Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet Gavi’s release clause if he refuses to sign a new deal at Barcelona.
According to Sport, Jurgen Klopp’s side would pay the £50million release clause to sign the central midfielder.
However it appears Liverpool’s hopes may be diminishing with the player rumoured to be close to committing his long-term future to Barca.
Meanwhile, SunSport have exclusively revealed how Inter Milan want to strike a salary-sharing deal with Chelsea to take Romelu Lukaku back to Italy.
The Serie A runners-up are keen on re-signing the striker and ending his frustrations at Stamford Bridge
But with money at a premium they are likely to push for a loan move which will also require Chelsea to part pay his wages.
Inter are ready to cough up just over a third of Lukaku’s roughly £325,000-a-week pay.
In other news, Dan Ashworth hopes to make Hugo Ekitike Newcastle’s first summer signing after finally starting work as the Toon’s sporting director.
Ashworth, 51, will spearhead Newcastle’s summer spending, with an initial £25.6million deal already in place with Reims for the young French striker Ekitike.
The 19-year-old rejected a move to Tyneside in January but is now keen on a move to the Premier League and Newcastle’s project.
And finally, Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a deal for Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence.
His outstanding form on loan at Nottingham Forest has attracted the attention of numerous clubs such as Brentford, Arsenal and even Bayern Munich.
Forest are also attempting to strike a deal which will keep him at the club on a permanent basis.
But according to the Express, Tottenham are currently leading the transfer race for the star and will push ahead with an offer in the coming weeks.
- Jake Lambourne
Leeds’ Raphinha keen to join Barcelona
Man Utd target Raphinha has snubbed Liverpool by prioritising a move to Barcelona, according to reports.
The Leeds star, 25, and his representatives are meeting with Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany this week to discuss a £50million deal.
Spanish outlet SPORT claim that the winger has chosen Barcelona over “more than a few” other clubs.
And he has an “obsession” to join Xavi’s side and play at the Nou Camp next season.
Had Leeds been relegated, a release clause in Raphinha’s contract could have seen him go for as little as £21m.
But now it is believed Barcelona will have to pay at least £50m to land their man.
- Jake Lambourne
Arsenal to target Richarlison?
Arsenal could look to bring Everton striker Richarlison to the Emirates due to chief Edu's Brazilian connections.
That is according to transfer guru Pete O'Rourke.
He told GiveMeSport: "I think having these Brazilian connections can only help in their pursuit of transfer targets.
"Edu, I’m sure will be trying to use his connections to maybe try and convince Richarlison to make that move to Arsenal ahead of other clubs because there will be quite a bit of interest in him this summer.
“Any advantage that you can use to try and win the race for a transfer signature, I think Edu will use his connections.”
- Jake Lambourne
Thiago offers Mane his home
Thiago Alcantara has reportedly offered Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane his house in Munich.
That’s after Bayern failed in a £25million swoop for the forward, who wants to quit Anfield this summer.
And Mane has now been given a boost in his quest for a transfer from teammate Thiago.
The Spaniard spent seven years at Bayern, winning as many titles plus the 2020 Champions League.
And the Mail claims Thiago has now offered Mane the use of his Munich mansion should a move indeed materialise.
It’s believed the pair have already spoken about an arrangement.
- Jake Lambourne
Brentford eye up Bailey Cadamarteri
Brentford are keeping tabs on Sheffield Wednesday youngster Bailey Cadamarteri, writes Isabella Barker.
The Owls remain eager to thrash out a deal with the 17-year-old forward for his first professional contract.
But the Bees are eyeing a summer swoop for Cadamarteri following his redhot form in Wednesday's youth set up.
His performances for Wednesday’s U18s has seen rise through the ranks into the U23 squad and even train with Darren Moore’s first team.
Cadamarteri, who has one year left on his Owls scholarship, is also being monitored by West Ham and has been earmarked for the England youth setup.
The teenager, who is the son of former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri, has been at Hillsborough since he was eight.
- Jake Lambourne
Football's most valuable players
World football’s 100 most valuable players have been revealed.
But England captain Harry Kane is just 30th on the star-studded list.
And there is NO room for legendary pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Boffins at the CIES Football Observatory have gone into overdrive crunching numbers from across the globe to decide the top 100 most valuable footballers.
And they have determined that Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable player on the planet.
- Jake Lambourne
Court of order
Former Chelsea ace Thibaut Courtois got embroiled in a row with a YouTuber – just hours after getting down on one knee to propose to his stunning Wag.
Manchester United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge was incredulous at his side's goalkeeper David de Gea missing out on the Spain squad – pointing to Courtois' recent success to rubbish Luis Enrique's reasoning.
The Spain boss was asked about De Gea after he left the experienced stopper out in favour of selecting Unai Simon, David Raya and Robert Sanchez.
Enrique, 52, explained: "I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them. Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting.
"Unai has accumulated some interesting experience. A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
"I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me – and that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. But what they generate I like a lot."
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Sal or nothing
Napoli have reportedly made an enquiry for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
It comes just a day after the French defender announced he plans to return to the Gunners to fight for a place in the starting XI.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Longari, the Italian side have approached Arsenal over Saliba.
They state that the youngster is appreciated by the Naples outfit.
But they are aware that he would prove to be expensive should they wish to secure his services.
- Jake Lambourne
As Luk would have it
EXCLUSIVE – Inter Milan want to strike a salary-sharing deal with Chelsea to take Romelu Lukaku back to Italy, writes Andy Dillon.
The Serie A runners-up are keen on re-signing the striker and ending his frustrations at Stamford Bridge
But with money at a premium they are likely to push for a loan move which will also require Chelsea to part pay his wages.
Inter are ready to cough up just over a third of Lukaku’s roughly £325,000-a-week pay.
They pulled off a similar coup when signing striker Alexis Sanchez on loan from Manchester United two years ago and he is now there permanently.
Cutting a deal would leave Chelsea still shelling out around £200,000 a week.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
No Silva lining for Barcelona
Pep Guardiola has warned his old club Barcelona it will be difficult for them to land Bernardo Silva this summer.
The Catalan giants are long-term admirers of Manchester City’s Portuguese international ace, 27.
However, Barca’s financial problems are well documented and Guardiola hinted as much when asked about a possible move for one of his key men.
He said with a smile: “They will find it difficult. Everyone knows that if the situation isn't good you can't make big signings.
“I hope everything goes well for them but with the situation they have they cannot do great things.
“There are moments in history when everyone has to accept it.”
- Jake Lambourne
Barcelona's transfer round-up
Spanish giants Barcelona are trying to buy their way back into the big time on the cheap, writes Mark Irwin.
The former kings of Europe are allowing themselves to be linked with a number of ambitious transfer targets.
But they have no intention of paying the full transfer valuations and are hoping to convince potential signings to force through cut-price moves to the Nou Camp.
Top of their wanted list is Bayern Munich’s superstar striker Robert Lewandowski, who has set his heart on a move to Barcelona and recently announced that his time in the Bundesliga is over.
But Lewandowski still has a year of his contract to run and now Barca are hoping that the player causes enough of a row to persuade Bayern to slash their current £35million valuation.
And they are employing similar tactics in their pursuit of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and Leeds striker Raphinha.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Huddersfield eye up Kyle Hudlin
EXCLUSIVE – Solihul Moors giant Kyle Hudlin scored in the Vanarama National League play-off final on Sunday, writes Jordan Davies.
And now, the 6ft9 striker – the tallest outfield player in the UK – is in advanced talks with Championship side Huddersfield.
Hudlin, who turns 22 next week, headed Moors in front at the London Stadium only for Grimsby Town to win it 2-1 in extra-time to reach the EFL.
But SunSport understands the forward will not be left disappointed for long.
He is preparing to jump up THREE divisions this summer with the Terriers after they also lost a play-off to reach the Premier League last month.
Hudlin signed for Moors in October 2020 on a two-year deal after banging in 25 goals in 22 games for Sunday League side Boldmere Falcons.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Newcastle closing in on Ekitike
Dan Ashworth hopes to make Hugo Ekitike Newcastle’s first summer signing after finally starting work as the Toon's sporting director, writes Oscar Paul.
The Magpies moved for Brighton’s technical director in January but the switch was held up as the two clubs could not agree compensation.
But his gardening leave with the Seagulls has now ended after a deal was reached before the Premier League granted approval yesterday.
Ashworth, 51, will spearhead Newcastle’s summer spending, with an initial £25.6million deal already in place with Reims for the young French striker Ekitike.
The 19-year-old rejected a move to Tyneside in January but is now keen on a move to the Premier League and Newcastle's project.
He scored ten goals in Ligue 1 last season from 24 appearances as his side ended the season in 12th place.
- Jake Lambourne
London calling for Oleksandr Zinchenko?
Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly being eyed up by Arsenal and West Ham.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who state that the Citizens would not stand in the way of the Ukraine international departing.
They state that both the Gunners and Hammers like the idea of Zinchenko being able to operate as a left-back or central midfielder.
Mikel Arteta is understood to be a huge admirer of the player having worked with him at the Etihad.
- Jake Lambourne
Walsall set for huge investment
Walsall have announced that an American investment group have purchased a majority stake in the club.
Club chairman Leigh Pomlett, who has owned 76 per cent of shares since 2019, transferred 51 per cent over to Trivela Group LLC following a year-long period of discussions.
The Saddlers announced the takeover in a statement on their official website on Monday morning.
It read: "Walsall Football Club (WFC) is pleased to announce that a transaction has been completed to transition majority ownership of the Club’s shares from Leigh Pomlett to Trivela Group LLC, a sports investment firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
"The parties have been in discussion for approximately one year and have agreed to a transaction which will take place in two phases.
"In Phase 1, which was executed last week, Trivela has purchased 51 per cent of the shares of WFC, and has injected additional capital directly into the Club for strategic investments.
"In Phase 2, which will take place within two years, Trivela will acquire an additional 25 per cent shareholding from Leigh Pomlett, and will bring forward additional resources to allow the Club to execute the existing purchase option on Poundland Bescot Stadium and the surrounding property.
"Facilitating and completing the purchase of the stadium freehold is a top priority for the new ownership group."
- Dylan Terry
Uefa eye legal action against Madrid, Barca and Juve
UEFA chiefs are confident they will be cleared to take action against the remaining Super League rebels after a landmark legal case next month.
The European Court of Justice has announced it has scheduled a two-day hearing for the case accusing Uefa of “abuse of a dominant position” by blocking the creation of the breakaway competition.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus were backed by the Spanish capital’s “Mercantile Court” in what was seen by Uefa bosses as an “in-house” ruling.
That court’s judgement that Uefa had no right to impose any punishment on the three rebels was subsequently overturned by a higher court in Spain.
Uefa, though, made clear it would await the outcome of the trio’s ECJ case, which will now be heard in Luxembourg on July 11 and 12, before taking its next steps.
And with Judges indicating they will give an “expedited” verdict, Uefa’s Nyon hierarchy expect to get a legal win and the green light to go after the three clubs in a matter of weeks.
- Dylan Terry
Man Utd boss Ten Hag joins Twitter
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has joined Twitter but his account is on private and only follows one account.
The 52-year-old was confirmed as the new United boss before the end of last season.
Ten Hag was in attendance for United's final fixture against Crystal Palace.
And with a change of scenery, Ten Hag has decided to also dip his feet into the digital world.
The Dutchman is now on Twitter under the username of @eriktenhag.
His account has been verified, but he's yet to add any photos or expand his followers with his account locked on private.
- Dylan Terry
Tomkins signs new Palace deal
James Tomkins has signed a new one-year deal at Crystal Palace, write Tom Barclay and Jack Rosser.
While SunSport understands James McArthur has also agreed to fresh terms with the South Londoners.
Both long-serving players were out of contract this summer and so would have left on frees had agreements not been reached.
Defender Tomkins, 33, has been with Palace since 2016 and has racked up 128 appearances.
He will provide back-up to first-choice centre-back pair Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.
- Dylan Terry
Cardiff eye move for Bale
Cardiff have stepped up their interest in signing Gareth Bale on a free transfer, writes Phil Cadden.
Bale, 32, is on the hunt for a new team when his Real Madrid contract expires at the end of this month to keep himself ticking over before the November finals in Qatar
When Bale was asked about his options at club level on Saturday, he grinned and said: "I've got loads".
MLS clubs have already declared an interest in the forward but it is believed Tottenham are not considering Bale for a third spell in north London.
Another of Bale's ex-clubs Southampton have also been linked with Wales' record goalscorer.
But Bale's hometown club of Cardiff have put themselves in the frame with Bluebirds chairman Mehmet Dalman set to lead negotiations over the audacious transfer.
- Dylan Terry
Nkunku boost for Man Utd and Chelsea
RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has revealed that he is 'flattered' by interest from a number of top clubs.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain are rumoured to be keen on signing the £80million-rated star.
Nkunku told Telefoot: "It's no secret. There are clubs interested in me.
"Yes it's flattering, but it's also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
"I'll have to reflect and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that's another factor to take into account."
The attacking midfielder enjoyed an incredible season in Germany, scoring 35 goals and registering 20 assists in 52 matches.
- Dylan Terry
No Champions League football an issue for Jesus
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed Gabriel Jesus would be perfect at Arsenal but that no Champions League football could be an issue.
He told wettfreunde: "I understand Gabriel Jesus wants to play more, wants to stay in a team that wants to have him as an important striker of the team.
"And Man City will have to sell players because they have to buy other players.
"If I have to choose for him, Arsenal would be perfect because Arsenal has a new project. They need to have a striker like him.
"They're not playing the Champions League so this could be a problem for Gabriel Jesus.
"He is a Champions League player. He played very well in the Champions League with Man City."
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